“I don’t like tattoos because they’re just…unnatural.” My dad said these words to me at a family dinner a few months ago when the topic of tattoos came up at the table. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that I already had one tattoo and was planning on adding another to my collection soon. I also didn’t know how to explain the fact that my tattoo felt completely perfect on me- as natural a part of my physical appearance as my eye and hair color. At the ripe old age of 18 years old, I already have two tattoos. I have a medium-sized lotus flower on my left wrist and a larger outer space design on my ribcage. I LOVE having tattoos. I love how each of mine tell moments of my story and serve as reminders of how far I’ve come since then. I love how badass I feel when someone compliments them and proceeds to ask, looking at me with admiration, “Did those hurt?” (To answer the question: the one on my wrist was minimally painful but the design on my ribcage was probably a 7/10). I love tracing the outline of my lotus flower when I’m bored in class and telling people the parts of myself that are captured in each piece of art.
If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, I completely support you! Based on my experience, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
1. Put thought into your ideas.
I can be incredibly impulsive, but I put months of thinking behind each of my designs. If you’re working with an artist, don’t be afraid to throw out new ideas and state exactly what you want. I hate being confrontational so at first I was nervous to change the plans with my artist. Then, I realized that not only would the design be on my body for the rest of my life but also I was paying the artist to do exactly what I wanted. Don’t be afraid to be assertive! The artist wants to make something you’ll love.
2. Do your research.
Do not go walking into the first tattoo shop you see driving around. Do lots of research on Yelp, Facebook, and Instagram to gather information on different shops in the area. There are many risks with getting a tattoo and you want to go somewhere reliable and trusted. Lots of places also offer free consultations, so don’t be afraid to use these!
3. Save up money.
Many tattoo shops have a minimum charge rate, so, if you have two tattoos you want, get them done in the same appointment to save money. Be prepared to pay a solid amount of money for a good piece of work. Trust me, it’s worth it. You are literally trusting the artists with your skin, so you want high quality work.
4. Stock up on Aquaphor & Allow Yourself Time To Recover
After you get a tattoo, it will go through several healing stages. First, it will be raised and bumpy. This has lasted for me for about two weeks. Then it will start itching. DO NOT ITCH. Something my first tattoo artist told me was to tap lightly to get rid of the overwhelming itchy sensation. Your tattoo might peel, but do not pull off any of the peeling ink. Your skin will heal naturally and you can ruin your new ink if you take matters into your own hands. Throughout the entire healing process, apply Aquaphor to the area as often as possible. This will keep your skin moisturized and prevent it from healing badly.
5. Understand That Some People Won’t Approve.
Some people, such as my dad, just don’t like tattoos. That’s okay. It’s not their body, it’s yours. The negative culture around tattoos in the United States is changing as we become more and more progressive thinkers. However, there will always be people who have a different opinion. They don’t have to understand, but if they truly love you they will support you in your wonderful tattoo adventures!
Who knows if I will regret my tattoos in 20 years. If I do, I’ll deal with it then. Right now, I absolutely love them and how they are something that makes me who I am. I hope you will consider embracing your tattoo dreams and keep these things in mind while doing so!